Wednesday, 4 April 2007

HaYa's Mediterranean Cuisine

Head to Haya's Mediterranean Cuisine during Gourmet Week to try the freshest, homemade laffa, pita breads, hummus, salad dressing, and fresh squeezed lemonade to satisfy your Mediterranean cravings. Haya's is a fusion of Israeli, Mediterranean and European culinary styles, and its two-year-old location in Dagu Rd is a spin off of their popular bakery, Mediterranean Bakery Products. "Our breads are distributed everywhere in Shanghai – from restaurants such as Element Fresh to supermarkets like Carrefour," owner Tzachi Ronen proudly points out.


My friends and I gave Haya's food two very enthusiastic thumbs up. The laffa and pita breads were served piping hot fresh out of the oven, with delicious (depending on what you choose) hand ground hummus and zesty tzatziki, a traditional Greek dip with yogurt embedded with cucumber and garlic. Definitely try the Jerusalem Majadara – fluffy steamed rice and lentils with sautéed onions topped with an egg sunny side up and served with a bowl of yogurt on the side – and wash it down with their signature sweet and tangy lemonade. The lamb skewered shish kebab was lean, flagrant, and tender to taste. Off the menu, try the moist and creamy cheesecake with chocolate drizzle or Krembo, a light cream filled chocolate encrusted dessert with a cookie bottom.

The quality of the food is a surprise to customers who are skeptical of the understated and unpretentious café-style décor of the restaurant. Ronen continues, "But that is the point, we serve high quality food for our customers who are looking for a regular hangout spot to relax and catch up with friends."

Posted on City Weekend: http://www.cityweekend.com.cn/articles/cw-magazine/cw-gourmet-week/ha-yas-mediterranian-cuisine/

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